Show your library some love this month by attending one of our many great programs. We kick it all off with a lecture about the importance of the 2020 Census, and why it’s your civic duty to ensure you are counted and as important as voting. We are also hosting our first ever Mayors’ Chess Challenge when players of all ages and experiences are invited to join the fun. We are also celebrating African American culture with a documentary series for adults and a special children’s performance featuring African dance and drumming. And don’t miss fabulous storyteller Ray Christian as he shares stories from his life of service as an army paratrooper. See you in our programs!

~Oyuki De Santiago Poletz, Program Services Librarian

Census 2020: Make It Count!Saturday, February 1, 3:00-4:00pmDowntown LibraryOne of the easiest ways to participate in your community is by making sure you are counted in the census. Your census answers shape our community by determining the need for vital public services like new schools, infrastructure, affordable housing, disaster recovery funding, and much more. Join Sandy Goodman, Census Partnership Specialist, and Corinna Balderramos with the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County for an engaging presentation on the impact of the 2020 Census.

Mayors' Chess ChallengeSaturday, February 15, 10:00am-12:00pmDowntown LibraryJoin us for the first annual Mayors’ Chess Challenge in Boca Raton! Players of all ages, novice and expert, are invited to play chess with other community members. Mayor Scott Singer will be a special guest. Instructors will be on hand to help those new to the game. Bring the whole family for an exciting morning of chess and community engagement. No enrollment is required. Refreshments will be served.

Stories from a Life of Service with Ray ChristianSaturday, February 8, 4:00-5:30pmDowntown LibraryWhen Ray Christian tells stories from his life, people listen -- and cheer! Find out why in this moving and thought-provoking performance of stories of military service, American history, and more. Christian is a retired army paratrooper and combat veteran who teaches African American History and Storytelling at Appalachian State University. He is a 10-time Moth Story Slam Champion and winner of the National Storytelling Festival Story Slam. His stories are featured on “Snap Judgment” and “Back Story Radio.” (For adults and children ages 12 and up)

FAU Research in Action -- When Nature Breaks the Rules: Mating Between SpeciesThursday, February 20, 1:00-2:00pmDowntown LibraryThe scientific world was shocked when DNA evidence proved the existence of hybrid monkeys in Africa resulting from the mating of two different species. Join Kate Detwiler, Ph.D., as she discusses her research on how hybrid monkey species are possible and why we should care. She'll also discuss her work with Jane Goodall, Ph.D.; primate behaviors and habitats; origins and evolution of primates; future biological studies; and conservation projects.

Do you love to read? Elevate your reading experience with our year-long Read Up Challenge! Our library team has compiled an exciting list of 24 challenges that require you to read books in different categories. Log your books online throughout the year (or ask for a paper log at the checkout desk). When you've completed all 24 challenges, you'll earn a ticket to enter an end-of-the-year giveaway for a $50, $25 or $10 Barnes & Noble gift card!Register here.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Morning Muffins & Mysteries: The Chain, by Adrian McKintyTuesday, February 4, 10:30-11:30amDowntown LibraryFind out why critic Vannessa Cronin says, "The Chain is one of those white-knuckle, stay-up-till-3 a.m. thrillers that keeps you reading feverishly because you just need to know how this one plays out." Join Neil Schulhoff for a discussion of acclaimed mysteries, and enjoy coffee and muffins.

Novel Idea Book Club: Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts, by Kate RacculiaThursday, February 13, 7:00-8:00pmDowntown LibraryA dying billionaire sends one woman and a cast of dreamers and rivals on a citywide treasure hunt in this irresistible novel by the author of Bellweather Rhapsody. Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts is the perfect read for thrill seekers, wanderers, word lovers, and anyone looking for an escape to the extraordinary.

The Classic Sci-Fi Book Club: Neuromancer, by William GibsonFriday, February 28, 1:00-2:30pmDowntown LibraryCase was the sharpest data thief in the Matrix, until an ex-employer crippled his nervous system. Now a new employer has recruited him for a last-chance run against an unthinkably powerful artificial intelligence.

POLITICAL THRILLERS & DOCUMENTARIES

FILM SERIES

Dark Money (TV-14, 99 min)Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-8:30pmDowntown LibraryThe film takes viewers to Montana -- a front line in the fight to preserve fair elections nationwide -- to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impact of the US Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. Through this gripping story, Dark Money uncovers the shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and sold.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

POV DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Whose Streets? (R, 101 min)Wednesday, February 5, 7:00-9:00pmDowntown LibraryTold by activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice, Whose Streets? is an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising and a powerful battle cry from a generation fighting, not for their civil rights, but for the right to live.

Quest (NR, 105 min)Wednesday, February 12, 7:00-9:00pmDowntown LibraryChristopher "Quest" Rainey and his wife, Christine'a "Ma Quest," raise a family while nurturing a community of hip hop artists in their home music studio. It's a safe space where all are welcome, but this creative sanctuary can't always shield them from the strife that grips their neighborhood. Epic in scope, Quest is a vivid illumination of race and class in America, and a testament to love, healing and hope.

Raising Bertie (NR, 102 min)Wednesday, February 19, 7:00-9:00pmDowntown LibraryFilmmaker Margaret Byrne follows three African-American boys as they come of age over the course of six years in Bertie County, N.C.

Presenting Princess Shaw (NR, 83 min)Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-9:00pmDowntown LibraryThe extraordinary story of New Orleans singing sensation Princess Shaw and her collaborator Kutiman, a musician in Israel who uses her YouTube videos to create something magical.

Get Tech-SavvyTuesday, February 4, 1:30-2:30pmDowntown LibraryDon't get lost in the sea of technology. Confidently navigate any application, program, or gadget by thinking like a tech-savvy user.

Computer Basics: Files and FoldersThursday, February 6, 10:30am-12:00pmDowntown LibraryLearn how to create, name, move and organize files and folders on your PC. Laptops welcome but not required; computers for practice will be provided..

iPad Apps & eBooksSaturday, February 15, 1:30-3:00pmSpanish River LibraryLearn how to download eBooks for free through the library. Bring your charged iPad, Apple ID, and password to class.

Welcome to Boca!Tuesday, February 18, 10:30am-12:00pmDowntown LibraryWhether you are a new resident or have lived in the city for years, this class will introduce you to all the city of Boca Raton has to offer. Topics include parks and recreation, shopping, transportation and more.

Tracing Your AncestryMonday, February 24, 1:00-2:30pmSpanish River LibraryDiscover your family history with tools for genealogical research, including AncestryLE and HeritageQuest.

Drop-in Story Time: Read with FAU Basketball PlayersMonday, February 10, 4:00-5:00pmDowntown LibraryFlorida Atlantic University Men's and Women's Basketball players will be on hand to read some great books!

Bilingual Drop-in Story Time: PortugueseMonday, February 17, 10:00-10:30amDowntown LibraryDevelop language and fine motor skills with rhymes, songs, and stories. Learn words in a new language! Children must be accompanied by an adult. No enrollment required. A 30-minute literacy playtime is included after story time.

Spring Story Time Enrollment BeginsFriday, February 28 for Library Cardholders, Begins at 9:00amMonday, March 2 for Non-Cardholders, Begins at 9:00amChildren 4 and under may enroll in 1 story time program in only 1 library location. Classes begin the week of March 9th and end on April 17th. Enroll through the online calendar at https://tinyurl.com/ttvw53d or in person in the Youth Services section of either library

Children's Friday Special: Afrique Ngozi Dance and DrumFriday, February 7, 3:30-4:15pmDowntown LibraryCelebrate African arts with this interactive storytelling show featuring West African dance and drumming! No enrollment required. Free tickets are available 30 minutes prior to the show. Space is limited. Children 8 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

Children's Friday Special: Valentine CraftsFriday, February 14, 3:30-4:30pmSpanish River LibraryMake a Valentine card or gift at the library for someone special! All supplies provided. No enrollment required.

Teen Book Club: Tyler Johnson Was Here, by Jay ColesTuesday, February 18, 6:30-7:30pmDowntown LibraryWhen Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. Receive a free copy of the book upon enrollment. Books funded by the Friends of the Library.

Create It: Taste Test Challenge (Ages 13-17)Thursday, February 27, 6:30-7:30pmDowntown LibraryCan you taste the difference between store-brand and name-brand snacks and drinks? Put your taste buds to the test and become the ultimate taste test champion!

Tween Book Jam: Janitors by Tyler WhitesidesWednesday, February 12, 6:30-7:30pmDowntown LibraryNo one took Spencer seriously when he tried to warn his classmates about the mysterious things prowling their school. When he sees Marv, the janitor, going after one of the creatures with a vacuum, he knows that he's not the only one who can see them. With the help of his new friend, Daisy, Spencer has to find out what the janitor knows. Free copy of the book at time of enrollment.

ART EXHIBIT

Exquisite Journey into Creativity by Keryn JaimesFebruary 10 through May 3, during regular library hoursDowntown LibraryVisitors to the Art in Public Places area of the Downtown Library will discover local artist Keryn Jaimes's many styles of artistic expression. This free exhibit is open during regular library hours.